Kristina (Kris) Stephens Fett, beloved wife, mother, grandmother (known as “Marme”), sister, aunt, and friend, died peacefully at age 77, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. She bravely fought a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer with courage and grace. Her strength was an inspiration to her family and friends. The family is grateful for MD Anderson’s loving and excellent care of Kris.
Kris was born in San Antonio, Texas on August 19, 1946 to the late Panalee Thomson Lapham and John Stephens. She grew up in Maryland where she developed an appreciation for the arts and excelled in ballet, swimming, and diving. She graduated from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Maryland in 1964. She attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas where she met the love of her life, Thomas H Fett. She was voted cutest freshmen, which she joked was thanks to Tom and the support from his fraternity brothers. Kris and Tom were married on April 24, 1965, in Harlingen, Texas. They were blessed with three children, Ralph (deceased), Carol and Neil. The family finds peace knowing that Kris and Ralph are now together again in God’s loving arms.
Kris finished her degree at Texas A&I in Kingsville, Texas and practiced as a CPA until her last days. She performed tax and other financial services for many clients and donated her services to numerous nonprofits and her church for many years. She was a wonderful and valued mentor to many. Kris enjoyed traveling with Tom and sharing vacations with her family. She particularly enjoyed living in Australia and Saudi Arabia, while Tom was working for Schlumberger. Kris was admired for her warm, loving nature, positivity, and strength, in everything she did. She was an extraordinary presence in many people’s lives and will be greatly missed. Her family will continue the legacy of her strong and optimistic spirit.
Kris is preceded in death by her parents, Panalee and John, her son, Ralph, and her sister, Karen. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 59 years, Tom, her daughter, Carol Fett Johnson and her husband, Mike, her son, William (Neil) Fett and his wife, Jenny, and her grandchildren Anna (Johnson) and Brandon Lackner, Sarah (Johnson) and Kevin Lauck, Andrew Johnson, Jack Fett, Charlie Fett, and Ben Fett. She is also survived by her sister, Panalee Burge and her husband, Bob, and sisters-in-law, Sue Samsel and Becky Welch and her husband, Jim, as well as many nieces and nephews. If you would like to honor her life with a donation, the family gratefully suggests MD Anderson Cancer Center, Lakehills Community Center, or a charity of your choice.
Kris loved the Medina Lake area since childhood, and Tom and Kris have treasured their beautiful home on the lake for 25 years. They loved sitting on the patio watching the wildlife and enjoying their tranquil surroundings. A celebration of life will be held at the Lakehills Community Center in Lakehills, Texas on Saturday, August 17 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
